[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 38 (Wednesday, April 10, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E492]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO MEMORIAL HOSPITAL AND HEALTH SYSTEM OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TIM ROEMER

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 10, 2002

  Mr. ROEMER. Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise today to congratulate 
Memorial Hospital and Health System of South Bend, Indiana for its 
outstanding commitment to community service and for winning the Foster 
G. McGaw Prize for Excellence in Community Service, sponsored by the 
American Hospital Association, Baxter International Foundation, and 
Cardinal Health Foundation. Each year only one institution earns this 
award, widely recognized as one of the most significant honors in the 
health care industry for demonstrating exceptional commitment to 
community service. This year's recognition of Memorial's innovative 
health care programs and expedited access to care is a fitting tribute 
to a community treasure.
  Memorial has always demonstrated that strong community relationships 
and comprehensive programs are keys to quality community health. It is 
therefore appropriate, but not surprising, that Memorial has been 
honored for its proactive role in establishing a tithing system in 
which Memorial has allocated ten percent of its annual budget surplus, 
totaling $20 million in nearly 100 community health programs. While 
Memorial was involved in community service long before it started 
tithing, this has most certainly contributed to a healthier community 
and encouraged other potential donors. Tithed funds have been used 
entirely for community outreach initiatives, including a children's 
health museum that has hosted more than 48,000 school children. I 
visited this museum and was deeply impressed by its unique approach to 
learning and helping kids understand healthy habits and safety. 
Additionally, Memorial has also established and expanded self-help 
groups for seniors and an enrichment program for homeless toddlers. 
These programs are just a few of the innovative approaches Memorial is 
pursuing to deliver first rate health care to the underserved 
population.
  I am also particularly impressed by Memorial's active partnership 
with the South Bend Heritage Foundation, a neighborhood revitalization 
organization that repairs run-down houses and sells them at affordable 
prices to people who might not otherwise be able to own. I was proud to 
find that the spirit of community service is so strong here that more 
than 30 Memorial staff members have ``adopted'' one such house in a 
disadvantaged neighborhood near the hospital campus and are 
volunteering hours of their personal time and energy on rebuilding it, 
aiming for completion by this Memorial Day.
  Mr. Speaker, I again want to congratulate Memorial Hospital and 
Health System for winning the Foster G. McGaw Prize, and for its 
extraordinary and continued dedication to bridging the health care gap 
for Hoosiers. I strongly encourage my colleagues to join me in wishing 
Memorial many more years of continued success. On behalf of a deeply 
thankful community, I salute Memorial's president and chief executive 
officer, Philip Newbold, and his entire staff for a job well done in 
earning this distinguished award.

                          ____________________